Pomegranate Research Articles

Factors influencing the seasonal fluctuations of two insect pests of pomegranate Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) under oasis ecosystem in Tunisia

Factors influencing the seasonal fluctuations of two insect pests of pomegranate Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) under oasis ecosystem in Tunisia

Impact of Methanolic Extract of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Seeds on Serum Biomarkers in Wistar Rats Fed High Cholesterol and Fructose Diet

Impact of Methanolic Extract of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Seeds on Serum Biomarkers in Wistar Rats Fed High Cholesterol and Fructose Diet

Extraction and characterization of compounds from Punica granatum L.: case study of Mila region, Algeria

Extraction and characterization of compounds from Punica granatum L.: case study of Mila region, Algeria

Comparative Study on Quorum Modulatory Effect of Selected Medicinal Plants on Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 (MTCC 2656)

Among the main global health concern is the rampant rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria. One of the appealing and promising strategies to combat this menace is to target the adaptive mechanism called quorum sensing (QS) used by bacteria to survive. Exploratory research on anti-QS compounds derived from natural products has been a promising area. The present study investigated methanolic extracts from 26 plants to compare their anti-QS activity using the QS biosensor strain Chromobacterium violaceum American Type Culture Collection (ATCC 12472) (Microbial Type Culture Collection MTCC2656). QS-mediated violacein pigment inhibition was carried out using agar well diffusion method with concentrations ranging from 10 mg/ml to 100 mg/ml. Leaf extracts of Mangifera indica and Pimenta dioica and peel extract of Punica granatum were the only three plants found to exhibit violacein inhibitory potential till 10 mg/ml. The result of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed 1.6 mg/ml for M. indica and P. dioica and 6.25 mg/ml for P. granatum. Further, violacein inhibitory properties of these extracts at and below MIC were evaluated by well diffusion assay (qualitative) and by flask incubation assay (quantitative). The zone of inhibition (well diffusion assay) was found to be 14.51 ± 0.63 mm to 10.37 ± 0.68mm for M. indica, 15.23 ± 0.57 mm to 9.62 ± 1.29 mm for P. granatum and 17.01 ± 0.1 mm to 13.14 ± 0.18 mm for P. dioica. The inhibitory effect of the plant extracts via quantitative assay on violacein ranged from 83-49%, 89-81%, and 89-49% for M. indica, P. granatum, and P. dioica respectively. Our findings suggested the potential of M. indica, P. granatum, and P. dioica methanolic extracts as a source of effective inhibitors of QS-mediated violacein production.

Impact of thermal conditions on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) biochemical traits: a comparative study of genotypic responses under contrasting climates

Impact of thermal conditions on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) biochemical traits: a comparative study of genotypic responses under contrasting climates

High-quality mesoporous adsorbent derived from pomegranate pomace for efficient removal of azo dye from textile wastewater: Influencing factors, reusability, and mechanism studies

The solid waste from the processing of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice, known as pomegranate pomace, was utilized as an economical and readily available precursor to produce high-quality activated carbon (AC). The AC was synthesized using a low-cost method at a carbonization temperature of 600 °C, employing a 1:1 impregnation ratio (precursor/H3PO4), and activating for 1 h. Various characterization techniques, including SEM imaging, XRD analysis, FT-IR analysis, BET surface area analysis with pore size determination, and other physicochemical assessments, were conducted on the produced AC. To assess its efficacy in treating textile wastewater, Basic Yellow 28 (BY 28) dye was selected as a representative pollutant. The results displayed a mesoporous structure in the produced AC with a mesopore content of 78.82 %. Notably, it exhibited a high BET surface area of 1089.08 m2/g and a total pore volume of 1 cm3/g. The Langmuir non-linear isotherm model emerged as the most fitting for explaining the adsorption equilibrium data, revealing a substantial monolayer adsorption capacity of 659.13 mg/g at 20 °C. The experimental data fit into a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, where the rate-determining step was found to be intra-particle diffusion. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption of BY 28 dye onto the produced AC was an exothermic process. The produced AC exhibited high stability, as demonstrated in desorption studies, maintaining effectiveness through multiple uses. These results signify the potential of using pomegranate pomace, an environmentally problematic waste, as a novel precursor for producing sustainable and cost-effective AC.

Punica granatum L. leaf extract enhances stress tolerance and promotes healthy longevity through HLH-30/TFEB, DAF16/FOXO, and SKN1/NRF2 crosstalk in Caenorhabditis elegans

BackgroundPunica granatum L., commonly known as pomegranate, is renowned for its health benefits, primarily associated with the consumption of its fruit and seeds. However, its non-edible parts, including leaves, have been used in traditional medicine as a remedy with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. Considering the abundance of bioactive compounds, predominantly flavonols, flavones, and tannins P. granatum leaf (PGL) extract holds potential as health-promoting agent. Yet, its effect on longevity and healthspan remains largely unexplored. PurposeOur study aims to explore the potential of PGL extract to enhance healthspan and ameliorate age-related frailty in Caenorhabditis elegans. Additionally, we seek to elucidate its effect on the molecular signaling networks associated with stress resistance and longevity. MethodsAfter characterizing the extract metabolite profile by NMR spectroscopy, phenotypic and stress analyses were performed. In order to establish the molecular mechanism of action, the involvement of signaling pathways key to longevity were investigated by means of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the use of transgenic strains (MIR13, MAH240, LD1, and OH16024). In addition, the effect of PGL on metabolism and lipid accumulation, as well as mitochondrial homeostasis, was examined. ResultsThe PGL extract supplementation significantly enhanced stress resistance and extended the lifespan of C. elegans. Additionally, it improved locomotion, as well as metabolic and mitochondrial functions, indicating an overall improvement in health. The molecular mechanisms highlight the coordinated regulation of stress response, metabolic homeostasis, and longevity signaling pathways. Specifically, our results demonstrate the essential roles of HLH-30/TFEB, in conjunction with DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF2, as mediators of the PGL extract effect on healthspan. ConclusionOur findings emphasize the potential of PGL extract to ameliorate age-related decline, induce longevity and further enhance healthspan. Given the diverse effects on the molecular network associated with stress-adaptations, longevity and metabolic control, PGL extract might become a promising natural product with a particular importance to the field of gerontology.

Vicia faba L. Pod Valves: A By-Product with High Potential as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease.

Vicia faba L. is a leguminous plant with seeds rich in nutritional compounds, such as polyphenols and L-dopa, a dopamine precursor and first-line treatment for Parkinson's symptoms. Recently, its by-products have been revalued as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. In this study, aqueous extracts of Lucan broad bean pod valves (BPs) were characterized to evaluate their potential use as adjuvants in severe Parkinson's disease. L-dopa content, quantified by LC-UV, was much higher in BPs than in seeds (28.65 mg/g dw compared to 0.76 mg/g dw). In addition, vicine and convicine, the metabolites responsible for favism, were not detected in pods. LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap/MS2 allowed the identification of the major polyphenolic compounds, including quercetin and catechin equivalents, that could ensure neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. ESI(±)-FT-ICR MS was used to build 2D van Krevelen diagrams; polyphenolic compounds and carbohydrates were the most representative classes. The neuroprotective activity of the extracts after MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells was also investigated. BP extracts were more effective than synthetic L-dopa, even at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL, due to the occurrence of antioxidants able to prevent oxidative stress. The stability and antioxidant component of the extracts were then emphasized by using naturally acidic solutions of Punica granatum L., Ribes rubrum L., and gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) as extraction solvents.

Punica granatum L. polysaccharides: A review on extraction, structural characteristics and bioactivities

Punica granatum L., commonly known as pomegranate, is native to Afghanistan and Iran, and today widely cultivated all over the world. Pomegranate polysaccharides are one of the most important bioactive components of P. granatum, which have a wide range of beneficial biological activities, such as anticancer, immunostimulatory, hepatoprotection, anti-psoriasis and antioxidation. Hot water extraction is currently the most commonly used method to isolate pomegranate polysaccharides. The structural characteristics of pomegranate polysaccharides have been extensively investigated through various advanced modern analytical techniques. This review focuses on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities and structure-activity relationships of polysaccharides from Punica granatum. The aim of this article is to comprehensively and systematically summarize recent information of polysaccharides from Punica granatum and to serve as a basis for further research and development as therapeutic agents and functional foods.

First Report of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora Causing Fruit Brown Spot of Pomegranate in China.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an important fruit crop for therapeutic and food applications. In June 2022, brown spots were observed on the fruit surface of pomegranate cultivar named Guangyan in Mengzi (23°20'6''N,103°25'5''E), Yunnan, China. The early spots appeared as circular or irregular lesions, measuring 1~1.5 mm in diameter. They were light brown with a clear boundary between disease and healthy tissues. Over time, these spots developed into polygonal lesions covering the entire fruit surface. Eventually, the diseased fruits decayed, and more than 50% of fruits were infected in pomegranate orchards. The tissues from the interface between health and disease were cut down, immersed in 75% ethanol for 15 s, then 5% NaOCl disinfecting for 2 min, washed three times with sterile water, and the PDA cultured at 26 °C in an incubator under dark conditions. Twenty-five samples were collected for pathogen isolation, ten fungal isolates were obtained by single spore germination, and these isolates had similar morphological characters. The colonies were white with 81 mm diameter at 7 days of incubation, containing undulate edges with dense aerial mycelium. After 14 days, the black conidiomata formed superficially, gathering into black droplets. Conidiogenous cells were hyaline, short, and filiform. Conidia were fusiform, straight or slightly curved, and comprised five cells, 24.12 to 34.53 (x̄=29.78) μm × 4.21 to 12.15 (x̄=8.68) μm (n=50). The three median cells were 13.13 to 25.22 μm (x̄=18.54), dark brown, whose septa and periclinal walls were darker than the other two cells. The apical cells showed two to four appendages, 12.31 to 29.15 (x̄=21.56) μm. Only a single appendage was found on the basal cell, 2.34 to 7.16 μm. Based on morphological features, these isolates were identified as Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (Maharachchikumbura et al., 2012, 2014). Molecular identification of isolate YNSL-3 was performed by amplification and sequencing of ITS4/ITS5, BT2A/ BT2B and EF1-728F/EF-2, respectively (White et al. 1990, Glass et al.1995, Carbone et al. 1999, O'Donnell et al. 1998). These base sequences were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers OQ891378 (ITS), OR088917 (Tef) and OR513439(Tub), respectively. BLAST searches of the sequences revealed 100% (478/478 bp), 100% (484/484 bp), and 94.67% (426/450 bp) homology with those of N. clavispora NM16311a from GenBank (LC209216, LC209220, and LC209221), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis (IQ-TREE) by maximum likelihood method showed that the isolate YNSL-3 was clustered with N. clavispora. The pathogenicity was tested with the isolate of YNSL-3, YNSL-5 and YNSL-8 by detached assay. The fruit surface of pomegranate cultivar Guangyan was wounded with a sterilized needle. The mycelial blocks (5mm2) of isolates cultured on PDA for 7 days were attached to the points of inoculation. Controls were inoculated with sterile PDA agar. All inoculated fruits were maintained in a growth chamber at 26°C with 75% relative humidity. The test was performed thrice. The brown lesions were observed after 7 days, whereas the controls showed no symptoms. The same pathogens reisolated were identical to the original isolates based on morphological characterization and molecular analyses. N. clavispora could cause different diseases in many plants (Rajashekara et al. 2023, Loredana et al. 2020). To our knowledge, this is the first report of fruit brown spot on Punica granatum caused by N. clavispora in China. This finding will help improve management strategies against the fruit brown spots on P. granatum in China.

Effects of Hyperbaric (Non-Thermal) Sanitization and the Method of Extracting Pomegranate Juice on Its Antioxidant and Antihypertensive Properties.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is considered a functional food due to its polyphenol content that benefits the body. The type of processing the fruit undergoes is important, as this also influences the concentrations of these compounds. The pomegranate juice was extracted by two methods: manual extraction using a manual juicer through heat treatment in a water bath (Man-P), and extraction through mechanical pressing using Good Nature X-1 equipment and hyperbaric sanitization (Mech-Hyp). Bromatological analyses showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the two treatments. When subjected to hyperbaric sanitization, the juice showed higher concentrations of moisture, soluble solids, protein, and carbohydrates. In an antioxidant analysis, the ABTS radical showed no significant difference in the treatments, with 96.99% inhibition. For the DPPH radical, the sample with the highest inhibition was Man-P with 98.48%. The determination of phenols showed that there was a higher concentration in juice that underwent pasteurization (104.566 mg GAE/mL). However, the Mech-Hyp treatment exhibited a minor concentration of phenols with 85.70 mg GAE/mL. FTIR spectra revealed that the functional groups were mainly associated with carbohydrates. Regarding ACE inhibition, it was observed that the Man-P and Mech-Hyp juices showed greater inhibition of enzyme in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive patients. This activity can be attributed to the mechanisms of action of antioxidant compounds. Both extraction methods manual and mechanical pressing resulted in increased antioxidant and antihypertensive activity. The antioxidant compounds accompanied by adequate sanitation were decisive in an antimicrobial analysis, since no pathogenic microorganisms were observed in the juices.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities, formulation, and characterization of a self-nanoemulsion system loaded with pomegranate (Punica granatum) seed oil

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a tree of the Punicaceae family that is widespread all over the world and has several types and therapeutic uses. The current study aimed to investigate the phytochemical compounds by GC analysis and carried out physical characterization of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The pomegranate seed oil was extracted, and its self-nanoemulsifying system was then prepared. Phytochemical compounds were analyzed by GC, and physical characterization was established of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The GC–MS analysis revealed that punicic acid, β-eleosteric acid, catalpic acid, α-eleosteric acid, and oleic acid were the most predominant compounds in pomegranate seed oil. Other active compounds like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and α-linolenic acid were detected in trace percentages. The self-nanoemulsifying system was prepared using various concentrations of surfactant (Tween 80), co-surfactant (Span 80), and pomegranate seed oil. The selected formulation had a PDI of 0.229 ± 0.09 and a droplet size of 189.44 ± 2.1 nm. The free radical scavenging activity of pomegranate seed oil, the self-emulsifying system, and Trolox was conducted using DPPH. The oil-self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent antioxidant activity compared to Trolox. Also, pomegranate oil inhibited α-amylase with a weak IC50 value of 354.81 ± 2.3 µg/ml. The oil self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent activity compared to acarbose and had a weaker IC50 value (616.59 ± 2.1 µg/ml) and a potent IC50 value (43.65 ± 1.9 µg/ml) compared to orlistat.Pomegranate seed oil self-nanoemulsifying system could be applied in the future for the preparation of possible oral medications for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, diabetes, and obesity due to its high activity against free radical, amylase, and lipase enzymes compared to pomegranate seed oil itself and the references used. This study reveals that self-nanoemulsion systems can enhance oil drug formulations by improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, acting as drug reservoirs, and facilitating efficient oil release.

Advances in Punica granatum polysaccharides: Isolation, structural-activity relationships, bioactivities, and potential applications

Advances in Punica granatum polysaccharides: Isolation, structural-activity relationships, bioactivities, and potential applications

Chemical Profile and Potential Application of Agri-food Waste Products for Counteracting Diabetes Induced Neuropathy in Rats.

This study aimed to prepare defatted ethanol extract of Abelmoschus esculentus leaves, Morus nigra leaves and Punica granatum peel, to identify the chemical composition of these extracts and to explore their efficacy in counteracting diabetic neuropathy. LC-ESI-MS spectrometry was the hyphenated tool for component identification of these extracts. Behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological investigations were carried out after treatments of diabetic rats. The phenolic contents in the extracts are 16.38, 34.75 and 40.57 mg GAE/g extract regarding A. esculentus leaves, M. nigra leaves and P. granatum peel respectively. Chemodiversity of the phenolic contents was observed from the LC/Mass, where A. esculentus extract contained isoflavonoids and flavanones, M. nigra extract consisted of benzofurans, prenylated flavonoids, stilbenes, and xanthones, and P. granatum extract was rich in ellagitanins, condensed tannins, and anthocyanins. The extracts normalize of blood glucose levels, enhance the explorative behavior of the rats and their response time to thermal pain, restore the oxidant/antioxidant balance, attenuate inflammation, augment brain monoamines levels and modulate MAO-A and Ache enzyme activity. Furthermore, they recovered brain histopathological alterations. Conclusively, this study offers experimental evidence for the neuroprotective impact of studied defatted ethanol extracts against diabetic neuropathy via their hypoglycemic effect, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory potential.

Effect of pomegranate solution alone or combined with chlorhexidine against oral multispecies biofilm.

Natural bioactive products have been tested as alternative antimicrobial agents. This study evaluated the effect of Punica granatum extract (PGE) on oral multispecies biofilms. Lyophilized extracts from pomegranate peel were prepared, and the punicalagin content was assessed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Oral multispecies biofilms from 2 donors were grown on four collagen-coated hydroxyapatite discs. After incubation for 7 days or 3 weeks, the biofilms were exposed to water (control), 2% CHX, 10% PGE, 20% PGE or 30% PGE for 3 min. The proportions of dead bacteria were assessed by the live/dead staining and confocal microscopy. After the analysis, the best PGE concentration (30%) was combined with CHX. The experimental phases were repeated using water, 2% CHX, 30% PGE and 30% PGE + 2% CHX. Five random areas of the biofilm on each disc were scanned, resulting in 20 scanned areas for each group. Regarding the biofilm volume, no differences were found amongst solutions (p = .111). The PGE solution killed bacteria effectively in 1-week, 2-week and 3-week-old-plaque biofilms, ranging from 37 to 55.3%, depending on the PGE concentration. The 30% PGE (a) (p = .0009) had greater antibiofilm effectiveness than 2% CHX (b), which killed bacteria in the 25.2 to 48.7% range. The 10% and 20% PGE had intermediate values (ab), without significant differences from 30% PGE (p = 1.002). Water (c) had the lowest proportion of dead bacteria (p < .00001) in a range of 5 to 6.7% and lower effectiveness in killing bacteria (p < .05). The PGE alone or mixed with 2% CHX had greater anti-biofilm effectiveness than CHX (p < .05). The old plaque biofilms were more resistant than the 7-day-old plaque (p < .05). The 30% PGE (alone or combined with CHX) exhibited a greater antibiofilm effect on oral multispecies biofilms grown on hydroxyapatite discs than 2% CHX.

Characterization and Management of Post-harvest Fungal Diseases in Banana (Musa paradisiaca)

Banana (Musa spp.) is a vital crop globally, contributing significantly to food security and income generation, particularly in tropical regions like India. However, post-harvest fungal diseases pose a considerable threat to banana production, affecting both fruit quality and marketability. The current study investigated the isolation, characterization, and management of post-harvest fungal diseases in banana (Musa paradisiaca). Infected banana fruits were collected from the Dharashiv fruit market (Maharashtra, India), and pathogenic fungi were isolated and identified. Fusarium napiforme, Talaromyces atroroseus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium sp., and Fusarium equiseti were the primary pathogens identified. DNA extraction and sequencing were employed for accurate identification, and sequences were submitted to GenBank. The antifungal activity of essential oils and plant extracts was evaluated using the Poisoned Food Technique. Essential oils from Syzygium aromaticum, Mentha piperita, and Punica granatum showed significant inhibition (P&lt;0.05) of fungal growth, with clove and peppermint oils achieving 100% inhibition at higher concentrations. Plant extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Azadirachta indica, Piper betel, and Cymbopogon citratus were also tested, revealing notable efficacy, particularly with neem and peppermint extracts. The study that the efficacy of essential oils was more compared to aqueous plant extracts. The results suggested sustainable strategies for managing post-harvest fungal diseases in bananas and explained the importance of conducting field trials to validate laboratory results.

Chemical Analysis of Pomegranate Flower Essential Oil in Türkiye

Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) grows naturally in a wide area from northwest Türkiye to western and northern Pakistan and is also cultivated throughout subtropical and tropical regions of the world. Pomegranate is in the form of a spiny shrub or a small tree. The barks, fruit peels, flowers, and seeds of the plant are used in traditional medicine due to their ellagitannin and polyphenol content and are used to treat circulatory system disorders. In this study, essential oil (EO) of P. granatum flowers was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. As a result, the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained was elucidated. As a result, nine compounds representing 99.9% of the essential oil of P. granatum flowers were characterized, with hexadecanoic acid (52.4%), linoleic acid (15.2%), heptacosane (10.1%), and pentacosane (10.1%) as the major components. Notably, this research marks the first comprehensive examination of the essential oil of pomegranate flowers in Türkiye.

Pollination efficiency of important insect visitors on pomegranate (Punica granatum) under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Insect pollinators are found to be highly significant in enhancing the quality fruit production and productivity. The experiment was conducted during April–May 2020 and 2021 at Dr Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh to determine the pollination indices of significant insect pollinators visiting pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The data on pooled basis from two years revealed that Bombus haemorrhoidalis visited most number of flowers during the day (4.96 flowers/min) followed by Apis mellifera (4.24), Apis cerana (3.95), Apis dorsata (3.76) and Episyrphus balteatus (3.09). The time spent on each flower was maximum by A. cerana (17.10 sec/flower) followed by E. balteatus (17.04 sec), A. dorsata (14.20 sec), A. mellifera (13.07 sec) and haemorrhoidalis (5.36 sec) irrespective of different day hours. A. mellifera (5.43 bees/m2/2 min) activity was maximum followed by A. cerana (5.06), E. balteatus (2.91 visitors/m2/2 min), B. haemorrhoidalis (1.72) and A. dorsata (1.37). Data on loose pollen grains for the two years revealed that A. dorsata adhered maximum number of loose pollen grains (357.00 thousand) followed by B. haemorrhoidalis (283.00 thousand), A. mellifera (98.00 thousand), cerana (41.00 thousand) and solitary bees (28.00 thousand). A. mellifera scored highest pollination index and A. dorsata scored least pollination index. A. mellifera, A. cerana and B. haemorrhoidalis are the primary pollinators that increase pomegranate pollination efficiency whereas A. dorsata, E. baltaeatus and solitary bees are supplementary insects improving pollination in various crops including pomegranate. A. mellifera, A. cerana, B. haemorrhoidalis and A. dorsata were main foragers of pomegranate flowers ensuring effective and efficient pollination.

CHARACTERIZATION OF NEWLY INTRODUCED POMEGRANATE VARIETIES

The paper is focused on examining and selecting morphometric indicators of leaves and flowers from genotypes within the collection of the pomegranate varieties. The research was carried out on 6 varieties of pomegranate plants, collected and introduced from diverse ecological and geographical regions. The objective was to collect, cultivate and assess the technological features of pomegranate varieties and forms. The morphometric characteristics of generative and vegetative organs from the “Malas” and “Kirmizi Gazyan” varieties were studied for the first time. Observation of pomegranate flower petals revealed that different sizes could be found in both long toothed (LT), middle toothed (MT) and short-toothed (ShT) flowers, suggesting petal size is not determined by flower type. The difference between the leaves of these two varieties was found to be insignificant. Flower diameter showed variability across all three types of flowers. The biological and economic significance of the newly developed form F-6-8 and the varieties “Malta”, “Oleg” and “Devachi” was also assessed. “F-6-8” and “Malta” are sweet varieties, while “Oleg” and “Devachi” are sweet and sour varieties. “Malta” was distinguished by its fruit weight (380.4 g), thin skin (2.5 g) and high juice yield (50.4%).

Metabolic and gene-expression analyses reveal developmental dynamics of cutin deposition in pomegranate fruit grown under different environmental conditions

The chemical and transcriptional changes in the cuticle of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit grown under different environmental conditions were studied. We collected fruit from three orchards located in different regions in Israel, each with a distinct microclimate. Fruit were collected at six phenological stages, and cutin monomers in the fruit cuticle were profiled by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), along with qPCR transcript-expression analyses of selected cutin-related genes. While fruit phenotypes were comparable along development in all three orchards, principal component analyses of cutin monomer profiles suggested clear separation between cuticle samples of young green fruit to those of maturing fruit. Moreover, total cutin contents in green fruit were lower in the orchard characterized by a hot and dry climate compared to orchards with moderate temperatures. The variances detected in total cutin contents between orchards corresponded well with the expression patterns of BODYGUARD, a key biosynthetic gene operating in the cutin biosynthetic pathway. Based on our extraction protocols, we found that the cutin polyester that builds the pomegranate fruit cuticle accumulates some levels of gallic acid—the precursor of punicalagin, a well-known potent antioxidant metabolite in pomegranate fruit. The gallic acid was also one of the predominant metabolites contributing to the variability between developmental stages and orchards, and its accumulation levels were opposite to the expression patterns of the UGT73AL1 gene which glycosylates gallic acid to synthesize punicalagin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed composition of the cutin polyester that forms the pomegranate fruit cuticle.